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§ Private Profile · 180 N Lasalle St Ste 2100, Chicago, Illinois 60601, US
UpCity is a technology company.
UpCity operates a B2B marketplace and directory platform that connects businesses with trusted service providers. Its core product aggregates and analyzes data to create comprehensive profiles and rankings for agencies across various industries, enabling businesses to make informed decisions when selecting partners for their projects. The platform utilizes a proprietary methodology to assess and certify service provider quality, aiming to streamline the vendor selection process.
Founded in 2009 by Andy Hagans, Dan Olson, and Patrick Gavin, UpCity emerged from the founders' insight into the fragmented B2B service provider market. They recognized the need for a centralized, reliable resource to bring transparency and accountability to an industry often lacking objective evaluation. This foundational understanding drove the development of a platform designed to foster trust and facilitate connections between businesses and high-quality agencies.
UpCity primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses seeking qualified service providers in digital marketing, IT services, and web development. The company's vision is to be the definitive resource for businesses to discover, compare, and hire the best B2B service partners, fostering a more efficient ecosystem for professional services globally. It aims to empower businesses with the tools and information necessary to confidently navigate the complex landscape of service procurement.
UpCity has raised $7.5M across 4 funding rounds.
UpCity has raised $7.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
UpCity is a B2B marketplace platform that connects businesses with trusted service providers, including marketers, accountants, and HR professionals, to improve partner selection and purchasing experiences through transparency and insights.[1][2][3] Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the United States with 51-200 employees, it empowers successful relationships by offering reviews, badges, awards, and tools like SEO enhancements and lead generation.[1][4]
The platform serves businesses seeking reliable service providers and professionals aiming to showcase their expertise via profiles, customer reviews, and visibility features.[3][4] It solves the challenge of opaque B2B service discovery by providing vetted recommendations, dramatically enhancing trust and decision-making in sectors like advertising, marketing, and professional services.[1][2]
UpCity was founded in 2009 as a platform to bridge businesses with marketing and professional service providers.[2] While specific founder details are not detailed in available sources, the company has evolved into a comprehensive marketplace emphasizing transparency, reviews, and relationship-building tools.[1][3]
Early traction likely stemmed from its focus on authentic reviews and awards, as evidenced by user feedback highlighting improvements in brand awareness, search engine results, and leads.[4] Pivotal growth includes expanding beyond marketing to broader services like accounting and HR, compiling ranked lists of top providers (e.g., software development companies), and integrating tech stacks like Site Kit and Disqus for enhanced functionality.[1][6]
UpCity rides the trend of B2B marketplace democratization, where platforms reduce friction in service procurement amid rising demand for vetted, on-demand expertise in a gig-economy hybrid world.[1][2] Timing aligns with post-pandemic shifts toward digital-first vendor selection, amplified by AI-driven reviews and SEO needs in fragmented professional services.[4][6]
Market forces like increasing B2B spend on marketing tech (projected growth in ad services) favor its model, positioning it to influence ecosystems by standardizing provider evaluation—much like G2 or Clutch, but with niche expansions into proactive tech care and software rankings.[5][6] It shapes the landscape by empowering small-to-mid providers with visibility, democratizing access against larger incumbents.
UpCity's momentum in review-driven B2B matching positions it for expansion into AI-enhanced recommendations and global provider networks, capitalizing on trends like hyper-personalized service discovery.[4][6] Evolving regulations on review authenticity and rising demand for integrated tools (e.g., CRM plugins) will shape its path, potentially amplifying influence through partnerships with enterprise platforms.
As a transparency pioneer since 2009, UpCity remains essential for businesses navigating trusted provider ecosystems, with growth tied to B2B digitization.
UpCity has raised $7.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
UpCity's investors include Vitalize Venture Group, Chicago Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Andy Hagans, Patrick Gavin, Rocky Mountain, FireStarter Fund, Harris Preston & Partners, I2A Fund, RIME Communications Capital.
UpCity has raised $7.5M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $4.0M Series B in October 2014.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2014 | $4M Series B | — | Vitalize Venture Group | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2013 | $2M Series B | — | Chicago Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Andy Hagans, Patrick Gavin, Rocky Mountain, Firestarter Fund, Harris Preston & Partners, I2A Fund, Rime Communications Capital | Announced |
| Apr 6, 2010 | $1M Venture Round | — | — | Announced |
| May 29, 2009 | $500K Seed | — | — | Announced |